MFAT vs. BMAC — how do I know which one I need?

What You Need to Know

There's no default answer — the choice between MFAT (fat-derived) and BMAC (bone-marrow-derived) depends on the specific joint or tissue being treated, the severity of the condition, and whether other treatments have already been tried.

The Full Answer

BMAC is drawn from bone marrow (typically the pelvis) and is rich in mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors historically studied for bone and cartilage-adjacent applications. MFAT is drawn from a small fat harvest and is rich in stromal vascular cells with a different, though overlapping, regenerative profile. Some clinics favor one over the other by default; a diagnosis-first approach means the choice follows the specific joint, severity, and prior treatment history rather than a fixed preference.

What the Current Evidence Shows

Who May Benefit

When Surgery May Be More Appropriate

Dr. Tortland's Perspective

Neither is presented as a universal upgrade over the other — the decision is made case by case, based on imaging, prior response to treatment, and the specific tissue being targeted.